Jerry Jones stressed the importance of running back Ezekiel Elliott to the team’s success in 2022 on Saturday and collectively pissed off his fan base.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Dallas Cowboys owner said that Elliott has to be the “focus” of the Cowboys’ running game this season. Jones also expressed his belief that “there is room” for both Elliott and backup running back Tony Pollard on the field at the same time.
Elliott rushed for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games last season, however, his 4.2 yards-per-carry average was the third-lowest of his career and his 287 receiving yards were the second-fewest of his career. He also averaged a career-low 58.9 rushing yards per game.
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Elliott’s struggles are especially problematic since the Cowboys invested heavily in Elliott before the 2019 season, signing him to a six-year, $90 million contract extension.
Even though he earned a Pro Bowl that season in 2019 that saw him rush for 1,357 yards and 12 scores, he hasn’t been as effective or explosive since then, averaging a career-low 4.0 yards per carry in 2020 before his struggles last season.
Meanwhile, Pollard has emerged as he rushed for 719 yards and two touchdowns in 2021.
The 2022 season may be Elliott’s final year with the Cowboys.
